Identifying and segmenting performance issues over optical networks and inpremises interfaces with integrated workflows

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are an apparatus and testing methods for performing testing operations over multiple types of links and through multiple potential points of failure to segment sources of problems, which may relate to reported or actual instances of service disruption in a network communication environment. The apparatus may perform service layer testing directly via an optical link, in addition to via Ethernet service layer testing. The apparatus may further conduct tests on other layers as well, including the physical layer, the network layer, and the link layer. To facilitate efficient testing, the apparatus may integrate programmable workflow profiles that specify tests to be conducted, and may interface with a cloud platform for sharing results of the tests, providing end-to-end testing of various components and types of links (whether optical or electrical, including wired and wireless links). Results of the tests may provide guidance to resolve detected problems.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to passive optical network testing, andmore particularly to measuring performance of light signals andautomating test procedures through automated workflows in a testingdevice.

BACKGROUND

A Passive Optical Network (PON) may deliver data communication servicesvia light signals transmitted through optical links such as fiber opticcabling. The PON may provide light signals through a drop terminal,which may then provide the light signals inside a customer premises(such as a residential building) to an Optical Termination Panel (OTP).The OTP may provide the light signals to an Optical Network Terminal(ONT), which converts the light signals to electrical signals andprovides the electrical signals to a router. The router may propagatedata transmission inside the customer premises through the electricalsignals, such as through an Ethernet protocol. Outgoing data from thecustomer premises back through the PON may flow in the oppositedirection, in which case the ONT may convert electrical signals intooptical signals for propagation through the PON. Because of the variouspoints of failure along this path, some of which may result from enduser (typically an occupant of the customer premises) misconfigurationof the customer premises network, it may be difficult to troubleshootproblems occurring with data transmission to and from the customerpremises.

For example, a technical problem arising from optical networks is thattesting equipment used at the drop terminal or the OTP may measure onlythe optical levels coming to the customer premises from the PON. Suchtesting may not indicate problems within the customer premises otherthan the OTP. Furthermore, such testing does not provide a real-worldtest of data transmission rates over the fiber optic cable. In otherwords, optical level measurements do not provide a measure of datatransmission rates via the optical signals transmitted through the fiberoptic cable. As such, the root cause of any problems (usually noticed byan end user at the customer premises as insufficient bandwidth ornetwork speed at end user devices) may be difficult and time consumingto diagnose and correct. Furthermore, end users may be unsatisfied atbeing informed that the incoming optical signal measured at the OTP orthe drop terminal is sufficient even though the end users may continueto experience problems (which may be caused by factors other than theoptical signal measured at the OTP or the drop terminal). In addition tothe foregoing problems, the technician may be unaware of prescribed testoperations that should be undertaken to troubleshoot and resolveproblems. Thus, what is needed is a device that is able to performend-to-end segmentation testing to isolate problems with data and otherservices provided via an optical network, What is further needed is toautomate testing procedures to efficiently segment, diagnose, andresolve problems occurring in an optical network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the present disclosure may be illustrated by way of exampleand not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numeralsindicate like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network and service environment inwhich an apparatus may test network services, according to an example ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top-down view of an apparatus for testing networkservices in the network and service environment, according to an exampleof the disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of apparatus for testing networkservices in the network and service environment, according to an exampleof the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for testing networkservices in the network and service environment, according to an exampleof the disclosure;

FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for testing networkservices over a physical optical layer, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for testing networkservices over a physical Ethernet layer, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4C illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus for testing networkservices over a physical WiFi layer, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of workflow integration with an apparatusfor testing network services in the network and service environment,according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates a screenshot view of a graphical user interface thatdisplays optical signal test results, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 6B illustrates a screenshot view of a graphical user interface thatdisplays electrical signal test results, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 6C illustrates a screenshot view of a graphical user interface thatdisplays wireless signal test results, according to an example of thedisclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of segmenting service performance issuesbased on tests specified in workflow profiles, according to an example;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of integrating workflow profiles with UIactuations to trigger service performance tests of an optical network,according to an example;

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of segmenting service performance issues,according to an example; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of a workflow for testing various layers ina communication link, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. Itwill be readily apparent however, that the present disclosure may bepracticed without limitation to these specific details. In otherinstances, some methods and structures readily understood by one ofordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure the description of the present disclosure. Also,for simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure isdescribed below by referring mainly to examples. As used herein, theterms “a” and “an” are intended to denote at least one of a particularelement, the term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term“including” means including but not limited to, and the term “based on”means based at least in part on.

The present disclosure provides examples of an apparatus and testingmethods for performing testing operations over multiple types of linksand through multiple potential points of failure to segment sources ofproblems, which may relate to reported or actual instances of servicedisruption. The apparatus may integrate programmable workflow profilesthat specify tests to be conducted, and may interface with a cloudplatform for sharing results of the tests, providing end-to-end testingof various components and types of links (whether optical or electrical,including wired and wireless links).

To provide data communication services to a premises, a PON may transmitlight signals through optical links such as fiber optic cabling. Oneversion of a PON is a Gigabit PON (GPON). For purposes of discussion,the terms GPON and PON will be used interchangeably throughout. The PONmay provide the light signals through a drop terminal, which may thenprovide the light signals inside the customer premises to an OTP. TheOTP may provide the light signals to an ONT, which converts the lightsignals to electrical signals and provides the electrical signals to arouter. The router may propagate data transmission inside the customerpremises through the electrical signals, such as through an Ethernetprotocol. The router may provide wireless signals throughout variousareas of the customer premises. The wireless signals may be repeated byone or more repeaters in the customer premises, which serve to receivesignals from the router, and re-transmit them to enhance coverage of thewireless signals.

A technical problem arising from optical networks is that testingequipment used at a drop terminal or the OTP may measure only theoptical levels coming to the customer premises from the PON. Suchtesting may not indicate problems within the customer premises otherthan the OTP, making segmentation of problems difficult. Furthermore,such testing does not provide a real-world test of data transmissionrates over the fiber optic cable. In other words, optical levelmeasurements do not provide a measure of data transmission rates via theoptical signals transmitted through the fiber optic cable. As such, theroot cause of any problems (usually noticed by an end user at thecustomer premises as insufficient bandwidth or network speed at end userdevices) may be difficult and time consuming to diagnose and correct.Furthermore, end users may be unsatisfied at being informed that theincoming optical signal measured at the OTP or the drop terminal issufficient. In addition to the foregoing problems, the technician may beunaware of prescribed test operations that should be undertaken totroubleshoot and resolve problems.

The apparatus may conduct service layer network testing directly from anoptical link such as via a fiber optic cable. Accordingly, the apparatusmay be connected to a drop terminal or OTP to measure service-levelperformance (such as through data transmission rate measurements)directly via the optical link. The apparatus may conduct such opticaltesting over various optical network rates such as 1G, 2.5G, 10G, 40G,100G, and/or other rates. The apparatus may also conduct such opticaltesting on various types of optical technologies such as GPON, Ethernetpassive optical network (EPON), electrical Ethernet, and so forth. Assuch, the apparatus may encode and decode GPOn<EPON, electricalEthernet, and/or other protocols. This may be in addition to suchtesting via electrical signals such as Ethernet (whether wired orwireless) to enable segmentation of service layer performance. Theapparatus may conduct different types of testing over different layerssuch as a network layer, link layer, and physical layer to segment atype of problem as well.

The particular testing operations performed by the apparatus may beselected by a field technician operating the testing apparatus. In someexamples, to facilitate efficient testing, the apparatus may integrateone-touch automated workflow profiles that each specify one or moretesting operations to be conducted. Such testing operations may bedirected at the service layer, the network layer, the link layer, and/orthe physical layer.

The programmable workflow profiles may be tailored to specify testingoperations for a particular project or may include templated workflowprofiles that may be used to specify testing operations for a generalset of projects. In some examples, the programmable workflow profilesmay include a one-touch operation in which a button or other inputmember may be pre-programmed to execute a workflow profile specificallyassigned to that button. In some examples, the apparatus may provideresults of the testing to a separate testing apparatus and/or a cloudplatform, which may share the results with other devices. In someexamples, the apparatus may provide results of the testing via on-boardvisual indicators (such as light emitting diode indicators). Havingdescribed a high-level overview of the apparatus, attention will nowturn to an example of a network and service environment in which theapparatus may operate.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network and service environment 10 inwhich an apparatus 100 may test network services, according to anexample of the disclosure. The network services may include data and/orvoice services such as Internet and/or phone service. The network andservice environment 10 may include various communication layers (such asphysical layers and network layers) and types of communication linksover which various devices of the network and service environment 10facilitate provision of the network services to an end user premises 11(referred to hereinafter as premises 11). For example, the network andservice environment 10 may include various types of links such as afeeder fiber optic cable 101, a fiber optic cable 105, an electrical(such as Ethernet) cable 107, and wireless links 109 (such as a WiFisignal). The network and service environment 10 may include varioustypes of devices, which may be connected to one another via the links.The devices may facilitate provision of the network services to thecustomer premises 11. Such devices may include a drop terminal 102, anOptical Termination Panel (OTP) 104, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT)108, a router 110, and one or more repeaters 112. The apparatus 100 mayexecute testing operations through various ones of the links and devicesof the network and service environment 10, enabling localization of anyproblems within the network and service environment.

The feeder fiber optic cable 101 may include a physical opticalconnection between the drop terminal 102 and the rest of a networkprovided by a service provider such as an Internet Service Provider(ISP). The network may include a Passive Optical Network (PON). Inparticular, the PON may include a Gigabit PON (GPON). The PON, and moreparticularly, the GPON may transmit and receive data in the form ofoptical signals. The drop terminal 102 is a device that accepts thefeeder fiber optic cable 101 and connects fiber optic (the term “fiberoptic” may also be referred to interchangeably herein as simply “fiber”)cable 105 to the customer premises 11 via the OTP 104. The drop terminal102 may be located outside (but on or nearby) the customer premises 11such that it is accessible without entering the customer premises 11.The OTP 104 may be located inside the customer premises and may beconnected to the ONT 108 via fiber optic cable 105.

The ONT 108 may be connected to the router 110 through electrical cable107. The ONT 108 may convert optical signals (transmitted via fiberoptic cable 105) to/from the OTP 104 to electrical signals (transmittedvia electrical cable 107) to/from the router 110. The router 110 maytransmit and receive data transmissions via a wired or wirelessconnection to end user devices (not illustrated) to connect such devicesto a Wide Area Network, such as the Internet through the GPON. In someexamples, the router 110 may be connected to one or more repeaters 112(illustrated as repeaters 112 a,b) through electrical cable 107. Itshould be noted that links (such as various types of cables describedherein) with like numerals shown in FIG. 1 illustrate types of cablingand not necessarily a single physical length of cable. For example, thefiber optic cable 105 between the drop terminal 102 and the ONT 108 isnot necessarily (and usually is not) a single length of fiber opticcable 105.

When an end user experiences a problem with the network services at thecustomer premises 11, the ISP may send a technician to troubleshoot theproblem. For example, a project in the customer project system 140 maybe created to address the problem. In some instances, the project mayinclude a new install and verification of services for the new installat the customer premises 11.

A technical problem arising from optical networks is that testingequipment used at the drop terminal 102 or the OTP 104 may measure onlythe optical levels coming to the customer premises 11 from the GPON.Such testing may not indicate problems within the customer premises 11other than the OTP 104. Furthermore, such testing does not provide areal-world test of data transmission rates over the fiber optic cable105. In other words, optical level measurements do not provide a measureof data transmission rates via the optical signals transmitted throughthe fiber optic cable 105. As such, the root cause of any problems(usually noticed by an end user at the customer premises 11 asinsufficient bandwidth or network speed at end user devices) may bedifficult and time consuming to diagnose and correct. Furthermore, endusers may be unsatisfied at being informed that the incoming opticalsignal measured at the OTP 104 or the drop terminal 102 is sufficient.In addition to the foregoing problems, the technician may be unaware ofprescribed test operations that should be undertaken to troubleshoot andresolve problems.

Various examples of an apparatus 100 disclosed herein may includetechnology improvements that address the foregoing and other problems.For instance, the apparatus 100 may perform tests across different typesof links at various points in the network and service environment 10,enabling localization of any problems. For example, the apparatus 100may include a power supply that makes it portable to various locationsinside and outside of the customer premises 11 to test at variouslocations (including throughout the customer premises 11 for WiFi tests16). In particular, the apparatus 100 may connect to the drop terminal102 or OTP 104 via fiber optic cable 105 to execute optical tests 12.The apparatus 100 may be connect to an electrical port of the ONT 108,the router 110 or the repeaters 112 via electrical cable 107 to executeEthernet tests 14. The apparatus 100 may wirelessly connect to therouter 110 or the repeaters 112 via wireless link 109 to execute WiFitests 16. By testing various points and links in the network and serviceenvironment 10, the apparatus 100 may be able to localize any problems.

Each of the optical tests 12, Ethernet tests 14, and Wireless Fidelity(WiFi) tests 16 may include a test of the physical layer, the linklayer, the network layer, and the service layer, so that multiple layersof each type of connection may be characterized. The physical, link,network, and service layer tests may be specific to each of the opticaltests 12, the Ethernet tests 14, and the WiFi tests 16. For example, aphysical layer test included in the optical tests 12 may measure opticalpower levels transmitted over the fiber optic cable 105. A physicallayer test included in the Ethernet tests 14 may measure a level ofEthernet traffic flowing through the electrical cable 107 (such as anEthernet cable). A physical layer test included in the WiFi tests 16 maymeasure a signal strength of the wireless link 109 from the router 110or a repeater 112. Other layer tests may likewise be specific to theoptical tests 12, Ethernet test 14, and WiFi tests 16 (although somelayer tests may be the same throughout the optical tests 12, Ethernettests 14, and WiFi tests 16).

Table 1 below illustrates various layers (such as physical, link,network, and service) that are tested for the different types of tests12, 14, and 16. It should be noted that the profile parameters mayspecify any one of these tests, related data to configure or otherwiserun the tests (including any WiFi or other credentials), and/or data tomeasure results of the tests (such as threshold values described in thisdisclosure). It should also be noted that appropriate configurations(such as correct OLT identifications) for the premises 11 may beincluded in a workflow or other information accessed at the apparatus100 so that the apparatus 100 may validate such configurations duringone or more tests. One example of such a configuration may include aconfiguration of an ONT 108 and OLT. In some examples, a given ONT maybe provisioned specifically for a certain traffic type (e.g. Data, VOIPand Video). In these examples, different ONTs may have differentconfigurations. The apparatus 100 may verify that an OLT serving the ONTis correctly configured for the given ONT based on the configuration ofthe ONT (or vice versa verify that the OLT is configured as expected,but that any error may be a result of a misconfiguration of the ONT).

TABLE 1 Various data, measurements, or other conditions used to obtainresults of the tests are listed in brackets (“[ ]”). For example,broadband performance may be gauged based on a speed test measurementobtained while conducting a speed test. PON Ethernet WiFi ServiceBroadband Performance Broadband Performance Broadband PerformanceProfile correct? Profile correct? Profile correct? [Speed testmeasurement] [Speed test measurement] [Speed test measurement] NetworkGetting an IP address? Getting an IP address? Getting an IP address?Authentication access? Authentication access? Authentication access?[PPPoE, DHCP] [PPPoE, DHCP] [PPPoE, DHCP] Link Connected to the correctEthernet Traffic? Connected to the correct PON branch? [Ethernet trafficLEDs] WiFi network? Connected to the correct Correct WiFi settings? OLT?[BSSID, Security, Band] [OLT ID, PON ID] Physical Enough Light EthernetSignal? Enough WiFi Coverage in [Optical power levels] [Ethernet TrafficLEDs] each room? [Wifi Signal Strength]

In some examples, some or all of the optical tests 12, Ethernet tests14, and/or WiFi tests 16 may be encoded in and automatically executedbased on programmable workflows stored at the apparatus 100. In thismanner, the apparatus 100 may be pre-programmed with programmableworkflows to automate some or all testing. As will be described later,such automated workflow-based testing may be initiated based onactuation of an input member (also referred to as an “input”interchangeably throughout) of the apparatus 100. In some examples, asingle button press on the apparatus 100 may initiate the automatedworkflow-based testing. Thus, one-touch workflow initiation forexecuting one or more tests may be achieved. In some examples, differentworkflows may be prestored at the apparatus 100 and a specific workflowprofile to be executed may be initiated based on profile actuation ofthe input member. For example, the apparatus 100 may scroll through theplurality of workflow profiles as an input member is actuated. Duringthe scrolling, the apparatus 100 may receive a selection of a workflowprofile to be executed among a plurality of pre-stored workflow profilesand automatically execute the selected workflow profile (i.e.,automatically execute the tests specified by the workflow profile). Itshould be noted that the term “press” as used herein is provided as anillustrative example. Other types of actuations of other types of inputmembers may be used as well.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may be communicably coupled to aremote apparatus 120 and a cloud platform 130. The remote apparatus 120may be a dedicated testing device or a multi-function device such as amobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc. The cloud platform 130 may includenetworked devices that communicate with the remote apparatus 120 and/orthe apparatus 100 to provide networked functionality, such as storing,retrieving, and providing test results and storing, retrieving, andproviding workflows. In some examples, the apparatus 100, thoughindependently operable of the remote apparatus 120, may be configured asa companion device to the remote apparatus 120. In this sense, theapparatus 100 may itself be considered a testing instrument. In someexamples, the apparatus 100 may upload test results to the remoteapparatus 120 and/or the cloud platform 130. In some examples, theapparatus 100 may download workflows from the remote apparatus 120and/or the cloud platform 130.

Having described an overview of the network and service environment 10,attention will now turn to a description of the apparatus 100 withreference to FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 3. FIG. 2A illustrates a top-down viewof an apparatus 100 for testing network services in the network andservice environment 10. FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view ofapparatus 100 for testing network services in the network and serviceenvironment 10. It should be noted that the appearance of the apparatus100 and arrangement and number of features of the apparatus 100 areshown for illustrative purposes only. Other appearances andnumber/arrangement of the features may be used as well.

The apparatus 100 may include various input members such as inputmembers 202, 204, and 206. Each of the input members 202, 204, 206 mayinclude a hardware input member such as a button or other type ofmechanical input. In other examples, each of the input members 202, 204,206 may include a software input member, such as one displayed on atouch screen for examples in which the apparatus 100 includes a touchscreen input device (not illustrated). Input member 202 may include a“Play” button that, when pressed, may initiate a test operation (such asfrom a test 12, 14, and/or 16). Input member 204 may include a “Pair”button that, when pressed, may initiate pairing with another device,such as remote apparatus 120. Such pairing may be accomplished via adevice-to-device protocol such as the Bluetooth™ protocol. Input member206 may include a power button that, when pressed, may power on or offthe apparatus 100. It should be noted that although buttons areillustrated, other types of input members such as switches and othermechanical inputs, may be used. Furthermore, although mechanical inputmembers may be used to reduce complexity and cost of the apparatus 100,software-based input members including those based on touch/capacitivescreens may be used.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may include a power supply 208 suchas a battery, which may be removable. Accordingly, the apparatus 100 inthese examples may generally be portable to perform test operationsthroughout and outside the customer premises 11.

The apparatus 100 may include various user interface (UI) indicators 20(illustrated as UI illustrated as UI indicators 20 a-f). Each UIindicator 20 may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other type ofvisual indicator to provide an indication of a state of the apparatus100. For example, the UI indicator 20 a may indicate a service layertest state. The UI indicator 20 b may indicate a network layer teststate. The UI indicator 20 c may indicate a link layer test state. TheUI indicator 20 d may indicate a physical layer test state. The UIindicator 20 e may indicate paired connection state. The UI indicator 20f may indicate power on/off/sleep state. The UI indicator 20 g mayindicate a battery level state. The UI indicator 20 h may indicate OPTactive (fiber optic interface) state. The UI indicator 20 i may indicatean Ethernet active (Ethernet interface) state. The UI indicator 20 j mayindicate a WiFi active (WiFi interface) state. Each of the UI indicators20 may be displayed differently to convey different information orstates. Such differential display may include different colors,flashing, etc. Thus, as used herein, any one of the UI indicators 20 maybe activated to indicate a particular state (such as test result, testprogress, and other state) or other information to be conveyed to a userof the apparatus 100. In some instances, the apparatus 100 may activatecombinations UI indicators 20 to indicate a state. For example, three UIindicators 20 may be activated to remain on to indicate a first state.In another example, three UI indicators 20 may be activated to blink toindicate a second (different) state. The apparatus 100 may activateother numbers of UI indicators 20 to indicate various states as well.

The apparatus 100 may include various communication interfaces toconnect to different types of links. For instance, the apparatus 100 mayinclude a fiber optic interface 22 (such as a Small Form-factorPluggable (SFP) transceiver) to connect to the fiber optic cable 105, anEthernet interface 24 (such as an Ethernet port) to connect to theelectrical cable 107, a WiFi interface 26 (such as a Wireless Fidelity(WiFi) interface) to connect to a wireless signal from the router 110and/or repeaters 112, and a wired device interface 28 (such as aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) port) to connect with other devices such astesting apparatus 120. In some examples, the apparatus 100 may include acharging port 30 for charging the power supply 208. The charging portmay include a USB port. It should be noted that the perspective view ofFIG. 2B omits details of portion 210 for illustrative clarity; thedetails of portion 210 are illustrated in FIG. 2A.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , the apparatus 100 may be a generally portablecomputing device such as a handheld test instrument having circuitry anddata storage for conducting the tests described herein. For example, theapparatus 100 may include a controller 310, a data storage 312, anapplication emulator 320, a fiber optic tester 322, an Ethernet tester324, a WiFi tester 326, a workflow engine 330, and/or other features(including one or more of the features described with respect to FIGS.2A and 2B). Each of the controller 310, application emulator 320, fiberoptic tester 322, Ethernet tester 324, WiFi tester 326, and workflowengine 330 may include a hardware processor or other known types ofcontrol circuitry, including field programmable gate arrays, etc., forperforming the operations and functions described herein. Each of thecontroller 310, the application emulator 320, the fiber optic tester322, the Ethernet tester 324, the WiFi tester 326, and the workflowengine 330 may include a processor that may control operations of theapparatus 100. The processor may be a semiconductor-basedmicroprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA),and/or other suitable hardware device.

It should be noted that each of the foregoing may be integrated with oneanother. For example, the controller 310 may be integrated with theapplication emulator 320, fiber optic tester 322, Ethernet tester 324,WiFi tester 326, and/or the workflow engine 330. The data storage 312may include memory or any suitable computer readable storage medium forstoring data and/or machine-readable instructions used by the apparatus100. For example, the data storage 312 may store an emulation datarepository 314 and a workflow repository 316. The data storage 312 maybe an electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage devicethat includes or stores executable instructions. The data storage 312may be, for example, Random Access memory (RAM), an ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a storage device, anoptical disc, and the like. The data storage 312 may be a non-transitorymachine-readable storage medium, where the term “non-transitory” doesnot encompass transitory propagating signals.

The emulation data repository 314 may store test data for emulatingservices (such as video, voice, and other data services) that may beused by devices on the customer premises 11. The workflow repository 316may store workflow profiles that each specify one or more testingoperations 12 to be performed outside or inside premises 11.

Fiber Optic Testing (PON/GPON)

The fiber optic tester 322 may perform one or more optical tests 12using the fiber optic interface 22 to test data communication (receiveand/or transmit) via fiber optic cable 105. The optical tests 12 mayinclude a physical layer test, a link layer test, a network layer test,and a service layer test. The optical tests 12 may be based on signalstransmitted and/or received by the fiber optic tester 322.

For instance, referring to FIG. 4A, the fiber optic tester 322 maytransmit electrical signals (Tx electrical signal 401) and receiveelectrical signals (Rx electrical signal 403) via the fiber opticinterface 22. The fiber optic interface 22 may include an electricalinterface 402 b to receive the Tx electrical signal 401 from the fiberoptic tester 322 and provide the Tx electrical signal 401 to an opticalemitter 406. The optical emitter 406 may include an LED, laser, or otheremitter than may convert the Tx electrical signal 401 to an opticalsignal (Tx optical signal) based on an incoming voltage or pulse, orother property of the electrical signal. The optical emitter 406 maytransmit the optical signal over the fiber optic cable 105. Asillustrated, the fiber optic cable 105 may be connected to the OTP 104,which transmits the optical signal to the drop terminal 102, which inturn transmits the optical signal to the rest of the GPON. In otherwords, in the example illustrated, the apparatus 100 may be connected tothe OTP 104 via the fiber optic cable 105. It should be noted that theapparatus 100 may be connected to the drop terminal 102 via the fiberoptic cable 105 as well, enabling optical tests 12 to be performed ateither of these optical points in the network and services environment10.

The fiber optic interface 22 may include an optical detector 404 thatreceives an optical signal (Rx optical signal) via the fiber optic cable105. The optical detector 404 may include a semiconductor detector suchas a photodiode or photodetector, a silicon photodiode, a Germaniumdetector, an Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) detector, avalanchephotodiodes (APDs), and/or other type of detector that can convert theoptical signal into an electrical signal. The optical detector 404 mayconvert the optical signal into an electrical signal (Rx electricalsignal 403), which may be conveyed by the fiber optic interface 402 a tothe fiber optic tester 322. It should be noted that the fiber opticinterface 22 may operate on a single bi-directional fiber optic cable aswell.

The fiber optic tester 322 may test the physical layer of datacommunication through the fiber optic cable 105 by obtaining the powerlevels of the Rx optical signal received at the detector 404. In thismanner, the apparatus 100 may determine and report the power level of anoptical signal from the OTP 104 and/or the drop terminal 102 (dependingon which of the OTP 104 or drop terminal 102 to which the apparatus 100is connected).

The fiber optic tester 322 may test the link layer of data communicationthrough the fiber optic cable 105 by verifying proper GPONconfiguration. For example, the fiber optic tester 322 may obtain anOptical Line Termination (OLT) identification (such as via a PONidentification that identifies a port of the OLT to which the ONT isconnected) and/or an ONT identification, which may be assigned by theOLT to identify the ONT), and/or other identification of a component ofthe GPON to which the apparatus 100 is connected (through the OTP 104,for example). The fiber optic tester 322 may verify whether the OTP 104is connecting to the correct OLT and/or PON, and/or whether the OLT andONT are correctly configured, such as based on predefined data relatingto such configurations and identifications such as those listed in Table1.

The fiber optic tester 322 may test the network layer of datacommunication through the fiber optic cable 105 by verifying that theapparatus 100 is able to obtain an IP address and authenticated accessto the Internet via the fiber optic cable 105 (from the ONT 108).

The fiber optic tester 322 may test the service layer of datacommunication through the fiber optic cable 105 by transmitting andreceiving data through the fiber optic interface 22. For instance, thefiber optic tester 322 may provide a Tx electrical signal 401 to theoptical emitter 406 via the interface 402 b to test upload speeds. Theterm upload or download speed as used herein refers to a rate at which asize of data is transferred over a network per unit time. Such speed mayalso be referred to as a data transfer (transmission or receipt) rateand may be expressed as, without limitation, Megabits per second (Mbps)or Gigabits per second (Gbps). The Tx electrical signal 401 may includea known size to monitor transmission rates. The Optical emitter 406 mayconvert the Tx electrical signal 401 to a Tx optical signal that istransmitted through the fiber optic cable 105 to, for example, the OTP104. The OTP 104 transmits the data through the PON (or GPON) ultimatelyto the test server 315, which may include a speed test server that sendsand receives defined sizes of data to monitor transmission rates. Thetest server 315 may return an acknowledgement, a time of receipt of theTx optical signal, and/or an upload rate, which may be based on a timetransmitted with the Tx optical signal. Based on the transmission fromthe test server 315, the fiber optic tester 322 may determine an uploadspeed via the Tx optical signal, such as via a connection to the OTP 104through fiber optic cable 105. For example, the fiber optic tester 322may calculate the upload speed based on the predefined size of the Txelectrical signal 401 and the elapsed time for the test server 315 toreceive the data via the Tx optical signal or simply obtain the uploadrate from the test server 315, depending on the implementation. In theseexamples, it should be noted that the test server 315 may include aspeed test server, including third party speed test servers.

To test download speeds via the fiber optic cable 105 from the OTP 104,the test server 315 (or component of the system coupled to the testserver 315) may provide an Rx optical signal across the PON with datahaving a known size. The fiber optic interface 22 may receive the Rxoptical signal via the detector 404, which may convert the Rx opticalsignal into an Rx electrical signal 403 and provide the Rx electricalsignal 403 to the fiber optic tester 322 via the interface 402 a. Thefiber optic tester 322 may determine a time of receipt and a time oftransmission of the Rx electrical signal 403, and the size of data inthe Rx electrical signal (in other words, the size of the datatransmitted from the test server 315), to calculate a download speedachieved through the fiber optic cable 105, such as via the OTP 104. Inthis manner, the apparatus 100 may test service level performance (suchas data communication rates) via an optical signal transmitted over afiber optic cable 105. For example, the apparatus 100 may be connectedto the OTP 104 via the fiber optic cable 105 to test speed performancethrough optical signals. Conventional testers may perform such testingat a router using electrical signals.

Ethernet Testing (Premises network)

Referring to FIG. 4B, the Ethernet tester 324 may perform one or moreEthernet tests 14 using the Ethernet interface 24 to test datacommunication (receive and/or transmit) via electrical cable 107. TheEthernet tests 14 may include a physical layer test, a link layer test,a network layer test, and a service layer test. The Ethernet tests 14may be based on signals transmitted and/or received by the Ethernettester 324.

The Ethernet tester 324 may perform one or more test operations 12 usingthe Ethernet interface 24 to electrical data transmissions viaelectrical cable 107.

The Ethernet tester 324 may test the physical layer of datacommunication through the electrical cable 107 by transmitting and/orreceiving data through the Ethernet interface 24 and determining whetherelectrical (such as Ethernet) signals are being transmitted and/orreceived through the Ethernet interface 24. The presence of such signalsmay also be indicated through LED indicators (not illustrated) of theEthernet interface 24.

The Ethernet tester 324 may test the link layer of data communicationthrough the electrical cable 107 based on observed Ethernet trafficacross the Ethernet interface 24, similar to the manner in which thephysical layer is tested for the physical layer of Ethernet links.

The Ethernet tester 324 may test the network layer of data communicationthrough the electrical cable 107 by verifying that the apparatus 100 isable to obtain an IP address and authenticated access to the Internetvia the electrical cable 107 (from the router 110).

The Ethernet tester 324 may test the service layer of data communicationthrough the electrical cable 107 by transmitting or receiving electricalsignals similar to the manner in which the fiber optic tester 322 teststhe service layer, except that the Ethernet tester 324 may operate onelectrical signals (such as Ethernet signals) without converting suchsignals to and from optical signals since the Ethernet tester 324 mayoperate via electrical cable 107 connected to the router 110, forexample.

Wireless Testing (Premises network)

Referring to FIG. 4B, the WiFi tester 326 may perform one or more WiFitests 16 using the WiFi interface 26 to test data communication (receiveand/or transmit) via a wireless transceiver 408 through a wireless link109. For example, the wireless transceiver may convert Tx electricalsignals 201 from the WiFi tester 326 to outgoing wireless signals andconvert incoming wireless signals into Rx electrical signals for theEthernet tester 324. The WiFi 16 may include a physical layer test, alink layer test, a network layer test, and a service layer test. TheWiFi tests 16 may be based on signals transmitted and/or received by theWiFi tester 326.

The WiFi tester 326 may test the physical layer of data communicationthrough the wireless link 109 by measuring a wireless signal strength ofthe wireless link 109. The measurement may performed for each of variousfrequencies, such as 2.4 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz frequencies.

The WiFi tester 326 may test the link layer of data communicationthrough the wireless link 109 by determining whether the apparatus isconnected to the proper wireless network (such as the correct router byverifying the BSSID of the router 110 to which the WiFi tester 326 isconnected is the correct BSSID), verifying that the proper settings areused (such as the correct security profile/type, password, correct band,etc.), and/or verifying other wireless settings.

The WiFi tester 326 may test the network layer of data communicationthrough the wireless link 109 by verifying that the apparatus 100 isable to obtain an IP address and authenticated access to the Internetvia the wireless link 109 (from the router 110 and/or or a repeater112).

The WiFi tester 326 may test the service layer of data communicationthrough the wireless link 109 by transmitting or receiving electricalsignals similar to the manner in which the fiber optic tester 322 teststhe service layer, except that the WiFi tester 326 may operate onwireless signals without converting such signals to and from opticalsignals since the wireless tester 324 may operate via wireless link 109through the router 110 and/or a repeater 112, for example.

It should be noted for the foregoing tests that require verification,the apparatus 100 may access the correct settings (such as the correctPON identification, correct BSSID, etc.) be facilitated by accessing thecorrect settings that should be used and comparing such settings tothose observed by the apparatus 100 during testing.

Application service emulation testing

Any of the foregoing layers and links may be tested further based onemulated application layer data. For example, the application emulator320 may emulate various types of data or voice services by transmittingand receiving data configured as video, voice, and other types of datafor services that may be used at the network and service environment 10.In one example, the application emulator 320 may simulate voice over IPservices, streaming video services, standard voice services, and/orother data or voice services by transmitting and receiving emulationdata that simulates these services. The emulation data may be prestoredin the emulation data repository 314 or may be configurable such as bydownloading the emulation data, such as from the cloud platform 130and/or testing apparatus 120. In these examples, the emulation data fromthe application emulator 320 may be provided to the fiber optic tester322, the Ethernet tester 324, and/or the WiFi tester 326 to test theemulated services over different physical layers and/or communicationlinks. In some examples, the application emulator 320 may transmit theemulation data via one or more application layer protocols such as SNMP,HTTP, FTP, and/or others. For example, the application emulator 320 mayperform emulated testing of web servers or other network services bytesting web server response times, latency, and/or other performancecharacteristic of a web server.

Manual Test Selection and Execution

In some examples, the various optical tests 12, Ethernet tests 14, andWiFi tests 16 (including any of each of their sub-tests for thephysical, link, network, and service layers) may be selected andexecuted based on input from a technician. For example, in operation,the technician may connect the fiber optic interface 22 of the apparatus100 to the drop terminal 102 or the OTP 104 via a fiber optic cable 105.The technician may press the input member 202 to cycle through thevarious testing options. It should be noted that other input members(not shown) may be provided to perform such scrolling operation as well.As the technician scrolls through the test options an appropriate UIindicator 20 may indicate that the test is ready to be executed. Forexample, the Service indicator (UI indicator 20 a) may indicate that aservice layer test is ready, the Network indicator (UI indicator 20 b)may indicate that a network layer test is ready, the Link indicator (UIindicator 20 c) may indicate that a link layer test is ready, and thePhysical indicator (UI indicator 20 d) may indicate that a physicallayer test is ready.

In some instances, the OPT active indicator (UI indicator 20 h) mayindicate that the optical tests 12 are ready when the apparatus 100 isconnected to an fiber optic cable 105 through the fiber optic interface22, the ETH indicator (UI indicator 20 i) may indicate that the Ethernettests 14 are ready when the apparatus 100 is connected to an electricalcable 107 through the Ethernet interface 24, and the WiFi Activeindicator (UI indicator 20 j) may indicate that the WiFi tests 16 areready when the apparatus 100 is connected to a wireless link 109 throughthe WiFi interface 26. Alternatively, the optical tests 12, Ethernettests 14, and/or WiFi tests 16 may be scrolled in a manner similar toscrolling the different layer tests to select an appropriate test forexecution.

To select a test after scrolling, the technician may hard press (pressthe input member 202) for a predefined period of time or otherwise pressanother input member.

In this manner, and because the apparatus 100 may be portable, atechnician may carry the apparatus 100 throughout and outside thecustomer premises 11 to test various links (including optical andelectrical) and devices.

Workflow-Based Test Selection and Execution

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may be pre-loaded with one or moreworkflow profiles. A workflow profile may include a plurality ofworkflow parameters that specify a test to be executed and/or data usedfor the test. For example, a workflow parameter may include a virtuallogical area network setting, a test indicator that identifies a testsis to be performed (such as a ping test, service layer test such as aspeed test, a physical layer test, a link layer test, a network layertest), a threshold value for determining whether the service performancetest to be performed passes or fails, data for executing the test suchas a WiFi credential, and/or other data. The apparatus 100 may use aworkflow profile to identify and execute the tests. For example, eachtest may be coded with an identification the controller 310 (such as viathe workflow engine 330) uses to identify the test. Such identificationmay be indicated in the workflow profile. In some instances, once aworkflow profile is selected, the apparatus 100 may automaticallyinitiate the tests specified by the workflow parameters. The tests mayinclude the optical tests 12, the Ethernet tests 14, and/or the WiFitests 16 (including any of each of their sub-tests for the physical,link, network, and service layers). When more than one test is to beexecuted, the workflow profile may specify an order in which to executethe tests.

The apparatus 100 may receive a workflow profile from a remote device (adevice that is separate from and independently operable of the apparatus100). For example, the apparatus 100 may receive the workflow profilefrom a remote device 120 (such as remote apparatus 120, cloud platform130) via any one of the various interfaces 22, 24, 26, 28 via WiFiinterface 26, and/or other device. For example, a user may select ordesign a workflow profile for uploading to the apparatus 100. Suchselection or design may be customized for a particular customer projectto resolve an issue or install new service at premises 11. As such, aworkflow profile may be a general workflow profile or may be customizedfor a particular set of tests, such as a specific set of tests for agiven premises 11 to service a particular customer project associatedwith the customer premises 11. Once a workflow profile is received, theapparatus 100 may store the workflow profile in the workflow repository316.

When onsite at or near the customer premises 11, a technician may selecta workflow profile, which may cause the apparatus 100 to automaticallyexecute the workflow profile (in other words, run the one or more testsidentified in the workflow profile). In some examples, the workflowprofile may include predefined configurations (such as appropriate OLTidentification and/or other configuration information, examples of whichare illustrated in Table 1). In these examples, some or all of thepredefined configurations may be displayed in the test results. In someexamples, the predefined configurations may be downloaded to theapparatus 100. In some examples, the apparatus may detect and upload theconfigurations of the various devices and connections of the premises11.

In some examples, the apparatus 100 may include a one-touch workflowprofile execution. In these examples, the apparatus 100 may receive apress of the input member 202 and execute the tests of the workflowprofile. These examples may be beneficial when a single workflow profileis used and facilitates ease of operation. In other examples, theapparatus 100 may permit scrolling through and selecting a plurality ofworkflow profiles, similar to the manner in which individual tests arescrolled.

During execution of a workflow profile, the apparatus 100 may provideindications of a next test to be executed. For example, the apparatus100 may activate one or more appropriate UI indicators 20. Toillustrate, if an Ethernet test 14 is to be performed, the ETH active(UI indicator 20 i) may be activated to indicate that the Ethernet test14 should be tested next. This prompts the technician to connect theapparatus to the router 110 or other device through which the Ethernettest 14 may be executed. In some examples, the apparatus 100 may provideindications of testing status. For instance, the apparatus 100 mayactivate one or more UI indicators 20 to indicate the current test beingexecuted. It should be understood that the UI indicators 20 may beactivated differently depending on context. For example, a flashingindication may signal the technician to proceed to a next test, while ayellow indication may signal that a test is currently in progress. Othertypes of indications may be used as well depending on the context/stateof the apparatus 100.

Block diagram 300 is a simplified block diagram showing only the blocksrelevant for the methods of the present disclosure. Blocks elements notrelevant for the methods of this disclosure are not shown, including butnot limited to functional elements such as equalizers, lasers, photoreceivers, wavelength multiplexers, etc.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram 500 of workflow integration with anapparatus for testing network services in the network and serviceenvironment, according to an example of the disclosure.

At 502, a project may be opened. The project may originate from thecustomer project system 140 to install service a new customer (such as anew install) or service an existing customer (such as to troubleshoot aproblem) at premises 11. In some examples, a workflow profile may begenerated or otherwise identified to address the project. For example, auser may use the remote apparatus 120 to specify a set of tests toconfirm that new service is working as expected or may include a set oftests to be able to troubleshoot a problem. In either instance, theremote apparatus 120 may generate a workflow profile based on the set oftests, which may include one or more optical tests 12, one or moreEthernet tests 14, and/or one or more WiFi tests 16 be conducted. Theworkflow profile may be custom-generated for the specific problem, basedon a preconfigured template, or be a standard workflow profile that ispredefined. The remote apparatus 120 may share the project and/or theworkflow profile via the cloud platform 170.

At 504, the cloud platform 170 may provide the project and/or theworkflow profile to the apparatus 100. As such, the apparatus 100 may bepre-loaded with the project and/or the workflow profile. At 506, theapparatus 100 may execute the tests from the workflow profile. Forexample, a technician may use the apparatus 100 to execute the workflowprofile as described herein.

At 508, the apparatus 100 may synchronize completed projects with thecloud platform 170. For example, the apparatus 100 may upload theresults of testing for each project to the cloud platform 170. At 510,the cloud platform 170 may provide certification reports (such as testresults and problem resolution) to the customer project system 140. Inthis manner, an end-to-end problem to test design and resolution may befacilitated. In some examples, the cloud platform 170 may provide thetest results to remote apparatus 120. In some examples, as previouslynoted, the apparatus 100 may share the test results directly with theremote apparatus 120.

FIG. 6A illustrates a screenshot view of a graphical user interface(GUI) 600A that displays optical signal test results, according to anexample of the disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates a screenshot view of aGUI 600B that displays electrical signal test results, according to anexample of the disclosure. FIG. 6C illustrates a screenshot view of aGUI 600C that displays wireless signal test results, according to anexample of the disclosure. The GUIS 600A-C may each be provided througha remote device that is separate from the apparatus 100. In someexamples, the apparatus 100 transmits the test results to the remotedevice in raw data, in which case the remote device may format the GUIs600A-C based on the raw data according to a format usable by the remotedevice. In other examples, the apparatus 100 may transmit the testresults in already formatted form (such as via Hypertext Markup Language(HTML)), in which case the remote device simply displays the formattedform. In some examples, the GUIs 600A-C may each display test results,configurations, and/or other information of some or all layers (e.g.,physical layer, service layer, application layer, etc.). In someexamples, the GUIs 600A-C may each provide pertinent informationrelating to each layer, where each layer may be expanded to provideadditional details relating to the layer. In this manner, the GUIs600A-C may each provide expandable, detail drill-down, displays forinformation relating to each layer.

The remote device may include the remote apparatus 120, the cloudplatform 130, and/or other devices. The cloud platform 130 may providethe test results to the remote apparatus 120 and/or other devices.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of segmenting service performance issuesbased on tests specified in workflow profiles, according to an example.

At 702, the apparatus 100 may determine that the first input member hasbeen actuated. For example, a technician may have pressed a play button,such as the input member 202 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

At 704, the apparatus 100 may identify a workflow profile based on theactuation of the first input member. For example, the workflow profilemay have been previously assigned to an actuation of the play button(such as input member 202) such that pressing the play button mayinitiate execution of the workflow profile. In some instances, suchinitiation may be based on a one-touch operation such that a singlepress of the first input member initiates execution of the workflowprofile. In some instances, such initiation may be based on acombination a user inputs such as a long press (press-and-hold forpredetermined period of time) the first input member followed by anactuation of a second input member initiates execution of a secondworkflow profile. Thus, different workflows may be initiated based onsingle presses and/or combination of presses of different input members.

At 706, the apparatus 100 may access the workflow profile from the datastorage, such as the data storage 312. In a specific example, theworkflow profile may be accessed from a workflow repository 316. Theapparatus 100 may have previously received and stored the workflowprofile for automated test execution.

At 708, the apparatus 100 may determine that the speed test is to beexecuted based on the workflow profile. The workflow profile may includea workflow parameter that specifies the speed test is to be executed.The workflow profile may include further parameters used to execute thespeed test, such as a network address of a test server with which theapparatus 100 communicates to execute the specified speed test.

At 710, the apparatus 100 may execute the speed test over the fiberoptic interface to generate a first speed test result, execute the speedtest over the Ethernet interface to generate a second speed test result,and execute the speed test over the WiFi interface to generate a thirdspeed test result to segment service performance issues to the fiberoptic cable, the electrical cable, or the wireless signals. Theforegoing tests may be specified by the speed test so that a serviceperformance issue may be segmented (by being localized to either a fiberoptic connection, an Ethernet connection, and/or a WiFi connection). Itshould be appreciated that the apparatus 100 may localize serviceperformance issues based on the device (such as the drop terminal 102,OTP 104, ONT 108, Router 110, or repeaters 112) with which the apparatus100 interfaces to execute the tests.

In some examples, to execute the speed test via the fiber opticinterface, the apparatus 100 may provide a transmit (Tx) electricalsignal to the fiber optic interface. The fiber optic interface mayconvert the Tx electrical signal into a Tx optical signal and transmitthe Tx optical signal via a fiber optic cable to the test server, suchas the test server 315.

The apparatus 100 may receive an indication of the upload speed based onthe transmitted Tx optical signal. The apparatus 100 may receive the Rxelectrical signal from the fiber optic interface, and determine adownload speed through the fiber optic cable based on the Rx electricalsignal. The apparatus 100 may generate the first speed test result basedon the upload speed and the download speed.

At 712, the apparatus 100 may transmit the first speed test result, thesecond speed test result, and the third speed test result to a remotedevice. The remote device may include the remote apparatus 120 and/orthe cloud platform 170.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of integrating workflow profiles with UIactuations to trigger service performance tests of an optical network,according to an example.

At 802, the apparatus 100 may receive a plurality of workflow profiles,each workflow profile of the plurality of workflow profiles comprising aplurality of parameters for executing a respective service performancetest. The apparatus 100 may receive the workflow profile from cloudplatform 170, via a network interface connected to a network 103, orfrom a remote apparatus 120 via a device interface connected to theapparatus. The network 103 may include the GPON (in which case theapparatus 100 may use the services provided to premises 11) or mayinclude a separate standalone network through which the apparatus 100may connect to remote devices.

At 804, the apparatus 100 may store the plurality of workflow profilesin a data storage.

At 806, the apparatus 100 may determine that an input member of theplurality of input members was actuated. In some examples, each of theplurality of workflow profiles may be assigned to a respective inputmember of the plurality of input members, and wherein to identify theworkflow profile. The apparatus 100 may determine that the input memberhas been assigned to the identified workflow profile.

At 808, the apparatus 100 may identify a workflow profile based on theactuated input member. For example, the workflow profile may be assignedto the actuated input member such that actuation of the input memberindicates that the workflow profile is to be executed. Alternatively,the workflow profile may be scrolled from among a plurality of workflowprofiles and actuation of the input member may indicate that theworkflow profile (which was scrolled among the plurality of workflowprofiles) is to be executed.

At 810, the apparatus 100 may obtain the plurality of workflowparameters of the workflow profile from the data storage.

At 812, the apparatus 100 may execute a service performance test basedon the plurality of workflow parameters. In some examples, the apparatus100 may obtain a result of the executed service performance test andtransmit the result to the cloud platform 170 via the network interfaceor the remote apparatus 120 via the device interface.

In some examples, the identified workflow profile may be automaticallyexecuted based on a one-touch actuation of the input member. In theseexamples, the apparatus 100 may initiate execution of the workflowprofile assigned to the input member when the input member is actuated asingle time, enabling single-press execution of the workflow profile.Execution of the workflow profile may include identifying the associatedworkflow parameters and conducting one or more tests based on theassociated workflow parameters.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of segmenting service performanceissues, according to an example. At 902, the apparatus 100 may determinethat a fiber optic interface 22 of the apparatus has been coupled to afiber optic cable 105. At 904, the apparatus 100 may generate,responsive to the determination, an indication that a serviceperformance test via the fiber optic interface 22 is available forexecution. At 906, the apparatus 100 may execute the service performancetest via the fiber optic interface 22. At 908, the apparatus 100 maygenerate a first test result of the service performance test executedvia the fiber optic interface 22. At 910, the apparatus 100 maydetermine that an Ethernet interface 24 of the apparatus has beencoupled to an electrical cable. At 912, the apparatus 100 may generate,responsive to the determination, a second indication that the serviceperformance test via the Ethernet interface 24 is available forexecution.

At 914, the apparatus 100 may execute the service performance test viathe Ethernet interface 24. At 916, the apparatus 100 may generate asecond test result of the service performance test executed via theEthernet interface 24. At 918, the apparatus 100 may provide the firsttest result and the second test result to segment any serviceperformance issues. It should be noted that the apparatus 100 may alsoperform the service performance test via WiFi when the apparatus 100 iscoupled to a wireless link 109.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 of a workflow for testing variouslayers in a communication link, according to an example. The method 1000may be used to test various layers for a given link type, such as anoptical link, an Ethernet link and a wireless link. At 1002, theapparatus 100 may conduct a physical layer test. For example, for anoptical link, the apparatus 100 may measure optical power levels; for anEthernet link, the apparatus 100 may measure the Ethernet signal; for aWiFi signal, the apparatus 100 may measure the WiFi signal strength. At1004, the apparatus 100 may determine whether the physical layer testpassed. The determination may be based on a predefined threshold valuefor the link type. If not, at 1005, the apparatus 100 may log errorsthat indicate why the physical layer test did not pass.

If the physical layer test passed, indicating that any problem is notwith the physical layer for this link type, at 1006, the apparatus mayconduct a link layer test. For example, for an optical link, theapparatus 100 may determine whether the appropriate OLT is connected to,whether an OLT is configured for an ONT and vice versa; for an Ethernetlink, the apparatus 100 may measure determine a level of Ethernettraffic; for a WiFi signal, the apparatus 100 may determine whether thecorrect WiFi settings are being used (e.g., correct BSSID, securitytype, and band). At 1008, the apparatus 100 may determine whether thelink layer test passed. If not, at 1009, the apparatus 100 may logerrors that indicate why the link layer test did not pass.

If the link layer test passed, indicating that any problem is not withthe link layer for this link type, at 1010, the apparatus may conduct anetwork layer test. For example, for optical, Ethernet, and WiFi links,the apparatus 100 may determine whether an IP address is being obtainedand whether authentication access has been granted. At 1012, theapparatus 100 may determine whether the network layer test passed. Ifnot, at 1013, the apparatus 100 may log errors that indicate why thenetwork layer test did not pass.

If the network layer test passed, indicating that any problem is notwith the link layer for this link type, at 1014, the apparatus mayconduct a service layer test. For example, for optical, Ethernet, andWiFi links, the apparatus 100 may conduct a speedtest or otherthroughput test. At 1015, the apparatus 100 may log the results of theservice layer test and/or other tests conducted in the method 1000.

Although described specifically throughout the entirety of the instantdisclosure, representative examples of the present disclosure haveutility over a wide range of applications, and the above discussion isnot intended and should not be construed to be limiting, but is offeredas an illustrative discussion of aspects of the disclosure.

What has been described and illustrated herein is an example of thedisclosure along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptionsand figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only andare not meant as limitations. Many variations are possible within thespirit and scope of the disclosure, which is intended to be defined bythe following claims—and their equivalents—in which all terms are meantin their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.

1. A test instrument comprising: a first input member to receive a user input; a fiber optic interface configured to receive a fiber optic cable, the fiber optic interface to obtain, via the fiber optic cable, an optical signal from a test server and convert the optical signal into an electrical signal; an Ethernet interface to send and receive electrical signals via an electrical cable to which the test instrument is removably coupled; a WiFi interface to send and receive wireless signals via a WiFi signal; a data storage to store a workflow profile, the workflow profile specifying a plurality of tests to be executed by the test instrument, the plurality of tests including at least a speed test to be executed; and a controller coupled to the first input member and the fiber optic interface, wherein the controller is to: determine that the first input member has been actuated; identify a workflow profile based on the actuation of the first input member; access the workflow profile from the data storage; determine that the speed test is to be executed based on the workflow profile; execute the speed test over the fiber optic interface to generate a first speed test result, execute the speed test over the Ethernet interface to generate a second speed test result, and execute the speed test over the WiFi interface to generate a third speed test result to segment service performance issues to the fiber optic cable, the electrical cable, or the WiFi signal; and transmit the first speed test result, the second speed test result, and the third speed test result to a remote device.
 2. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein to execute the speed test over the fiber optic interface, the controller is further to: responsive to the determination that the speed test is to be conducted, provide a transmit (Tx) electrical signal to the fiber optic interface, wherein the fiber optic interface is to convert the Tx electrical signal into a Tx optical signal and transmit the Tx optical signal via a fiber optic cable to the test server; receive an indication of the upload speed based on the transmitted Tx optical signal; receive an Rx electrical signal from the fiber optic interface; determine a download speed through the fiber optic cable based on the Rx electrical signal; and generate the first speed test result based on the upload speed and the download speed.
 3. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the workflow profile is configured as a one-touch workflow profile execution such that a single manipulation of the first input member triggers automatic execution of the workflow profile.
 4. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the data storage is to store a plurality of workflow profiles, and wherein the controller is further to: scroll through the plurality of workflow profiles for user selection based on inputs received via the first input member; receive a selection of a second workflow profile of the plurality of workflows; and automatically execute the second workflow profile responsive to the selection.
 5. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the optical signal comprises a passive optical network (PON) signal, an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) signal, or an electrical Ethernet signal.
 6. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is further to: receive the workflow profile from the remote device, wherein the workflow profile is stored in the data storage upon receipt from the remote device.
 7. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is further to: measure an optical power level of the optical signal obtained via the fiber optic interface; and provide the optical power level to the remote device.
 8. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is further to: access emulation data that emulates an application service; and transmit the emulation data via the fiber optic interface, the Ethernet interface, or the WiFi interface to simulate operation of the application service.
 9. The test instrument of claim 8, wherein the application service comprises a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service, a video service, a streaming service, a web service, or an audio service.
 10. The test instrument of claim 1, wherein the controller is further to: execute a physical layer test, a link layer test, and/or a network layer test; and provide a result of the physical layer test, the link layer test, and/or the network layer test to the remote device.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: a data storage; a plurality of input members; and a controller to: receive a plurality of workflow profiles, each workflow profile of the plurality of workflow profiles comprising a plurality of parameters for executing a respective service performance test; store the plurality of workflow profiles in the data storage; determine that an input member of the plurality of input members was actuated; identify a workflow profile based on the actuated input member; obtain the plurality of workflow parameters of the workflow profile from the data storage; and execute a service performance test based on the plurality of workflow parameters.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of workflow profiles is assigned to a respective input member of the plurality of input members, and wherein to identify the workflow profile, the controller is to: determine that the input member has been assigned to the identified workflow profile.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the identified workflow profile is automatically executed based on a one-touch actuation of the input member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the controller is to: receive the workflow profile from a cloud platform via a network interface connected to a network or from a remote apparatus via a device interface connected to the remote apparatus.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the controller is to: obtain a result of the executed service performance test; and transmit the result to the cloud platform via the network interface or the remote apparatus via the device interface.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a plurality of UI indicators, wherein each of the plurality of workflow profiles is assigned to a respective UI indicator of the plurality of UI indicators, and wherein to identify a programmable workflow profile, the controller is to: scroll through the plurality of workflow profiles; and activate a respective UI indicator as a corresponding workflow profile assigned to the UI indicator is scrolled.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of workflow parameters include one or more of a virtual logical area network setting, a ping test indicator that indicates a ping test is to be performed, a speed test indicator that indicates a speed test is to be performed, or a threshold value for determining whether the service performance test to be performed passes or fails.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the service performance test comprises a speed test specified by the workflow profile, and wherein the apparatus further comprises: a fiber optic interface to send and receive optical signals via a fiber optic cable to which the apparatus is removably coupled; an Ethernet interface to send and receive electrical signals via an electrical cable to which the apparatus is removably coupled; a WiFi interface to send and receive wireless signals via a WiFi signal; and wherein the controller is to execute the speed test over the fiber optic interface to generate a first speed test result, execute the speed test over the Ethernet interface to generate a second speed test result, and execute the speed test over the WiFi interface to generate a third speed test result to segment service performance issues to the fiber optic cable, the electrical cable, or the wireless signals.
 19. A method, comprising: determining, by a controller of an apparatus, that a fiber optic interface of the apparatus has been coupled to a fiber optic cable; generating, by the controller, responsive to the determination, an indication that a service performance test via the fiber optic interface is available for execution; executing, by the controller, the service performance test via the fiber optic interface; generating, by the controller, a first test result of the service performance test executed via the fiber optic interface; determining, by the controller, that an Ethernet interface of the apparatus has been coupled to an electrical cable; generating, by the controller, responsive to the determination, a second indication that the service performance test via the Ethernet interface is available for execution; executing, by the controller, the service performance test via the Ethernet interface; generating, by the controller, a second test result of the service performance test executed via the Ethernet interface; and providing, by the controller, the first test result and the second test result.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein further comprising: detecting, by the controller, authorization to connect to an optical line terminal (OLT) coupled to the apparatus via the fiber optic cable; determining, by the controller, that the OLT is an appropriate OLT to which the apparatus should be connected; and determining, by the controller, that the OLT and an optical network terminal (ONT) are properly configured. 